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State ban on certain China‑made drones forces Manatee County to replace equipment; board approves replacement item
Summary
Following a Florida statute that required removal of certain China‑made (DJI) drones, commissioners questioned staff about counts, costs and uses; staff said drones support emergency response, storm imagery and bridge inspection. The board approved replacement equipment and insurance as requested and asked for a fuller presentation on utilization and cost‑justification.
Manatee County staff told commissioners on Feb. 10 that the county has been required by Florida statute (cited in the meeting as Fla. Stat. § 934.50) to remove certain China‑made (DJI) drones from operational use. The change forced a review and replacement of equipment used across departments.
County administrator Charlie Bishop and property‑management staff described the program's operational uses:…
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